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Graham Smyth has delivered some behind-the-scenes insight into the start of Leeds United’s pre-season, and it may come of interest to the club’s supporters.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have begun their pre-season preparations ahead of the new Premier League campaign, and Smyth has revealed the kind of work that the players are doing as they look to get up to speed.

He wrote in the Yorksire Evening Post: “Twenty-four of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad and a host of Thorp Arch medical staff descended on Leeds Beckett University’s £45m Carnegie School of Sport for the first day of pre-season testing.

“Players were screened and assessed at a range of stations as head of medicine and performance Rob Price and his team worked with university staff to ensure their footballers are all fit and healthy and to uncover base lines from which to maintain and recover fitness over the season.

“From strength assessment, to movement analysis and gait examinations – Max Dean ran on a treadmill so his form could be captured – staff of the club and the university left no stone unturned to paint a picture of each individual’s fitness and equip Leeds with the knowledge they will need when attempting to return players to action following injuries.”

Fans may be intrigued

Dr Stacey Emmonds, a reader in sports performance at Leeds Beckett and former staff member at Thorp Arch who was also involved at Carnegie, added: “Players have been really enthusiastic today and they’ve all got straight stuck into everything. They are world-class facilities that we have now and that’s probably something that we weren’t able to offer previously.

“It allows the club to come down to utilise the state of the art facilities and the top-of-the-range testing to hopefully get the best profiling at the start of pre-season that they can.”Every little detail counts, and any advantage that Leeds can get, however small, could be crucial in either the short-term of one-off games, or even over the long-term of a full season.The work being done by the players at Carnegie looks as though the Whites are setting themselves up as best as possible ahead of the new Premier League campaign, extracting every last nugget of information to enhance their performances.For someone like Bielsa, that kind of micro-level management is surely right up his street, as he looks to work out the strengths and weaknesses of his players to the absolute minute detail.Given the kind of intense pressing game Leeds play, ensuring that players don’t pick up muscle injuries through wear and tear by giving them the chance to train well in pre-season could be the key to keeping everyone fit and firing over a whole season.It’s exactly why Leeds fans might be quite interested, if not intrigued, to hear of Smith’s behind-the-scenes reveal.Meanwhile, Leeds receive major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s future…

Leeds United want Raphinha to sign a new contract, amid rumours of a January move to Bayern Munich, Phil Hay reports.

The Lowdown: Bayern links

Raphinha, described as an ‘unbelievable player’ by Illan Meslier, has been the club’s top performer this season. The winger has scored eight of Leeds’ 18 goals this season and has missed just two Premier League fixtures.

As a result of his impressive form, Bayern Munich have been linked with a January move for the 24-year-old, who is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.

Brazilian outlet TNT Sports even went as far as to say Raphinha would join Bayern in a deal worth €50m, however, The Yorkshire Evening Post rebuffed claims by stating the German giants are yet to express an interest.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay posted a link to a story on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime, claiming ‘Leeds United want Raphinha’s next move to be the agreement of a new contract at Elland Road’.

Within his story, Hay claimed that the Brazilian likes Leeds and what his move to Yorkshire has done for him. Raphinha doesn’t feel as if the club are holding him back, with discussions underway over an improved deal.

The Verdict: New contract needed

Hay revealed that Raphinha’s current salary is a ‘fairly modest’ one by Premier League standards and behind Leeds’ biggest earners.

So, even if the Whites extend Raphinha’s contract by a further 12 months to 2025, a pay rise to make him one of the club’s biggest earners could be a wise move.

That would reflect his displays on the pitch and should keep him content in Yorkshire for the time being. A new deal would also allow Leeds to insert a release clause, meaning all parties involved could come out of discussions happy.

In other news: BBC man reacts as Leeds and Bielsa may now get ‘massive’ injury boost ‘for the Burnley game’. 

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has tipped David Moyes to sign Besiktas striker Cyle Larin in the January transfer window, as he would ‘fit the bill’ for the Hammers, as per GIVEMESPORT.

The Lowdown: Goals drying up

Goals have recently dried up for the Hammers, who have failed to find the net in their previous three games. Their top scorer Michail Antonio has lost his clinical form, failing to score in his last eight appearances in the Premier League.

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The 31-year-old is currently the Irons’ only senior striker and this has caused deep problems for Moyes, as his once reliable attacking threat is no longer bringing in the goals.

As a result, West Ham are looking to bring in a centre-forward in the January transfer window. The manager has already stated that he will dip into the market to provide the squad with some much-needed depth.

The Latest: O’Rourke tips Moyes to sign Larin

Following Moyes’ admission that he will need additions to the West Ham squad if they are to continue in their push for Champions League qualification, O’Rourke has tipped the Irons boss to sign Besiktas striker Larin.

This comes after the Canadian was linked with a move to the east London club before, and the journalist believes that he could be an ideal signing for West Ham.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke said: “He’s a big strong striker who can play right across the front positions as well and that will be attractive to West Ham. He would definitely fit the bill.”

The Verdict: Depth is needed

As the club’s only recognised striker is currently out of form, it is crucial that Moyes is able to bring in an extra attacker in the January transfer window.

Larin has long been tipped for a big European move, even before his switch to the Turkish league. Former Orlando City teammate and Brazil legend Kaká spoke highly of the 26-year-old in the past, saying: “Cyle is a very good player and the third season for us will be great, but I think Cyle can play in a big team in Europe as well.”

Larin has also proven himself on the international stage. In 44 appearances for Canada, he has bagged an impressive 22 goals. This adds to his fine tally at club level; since joining Besiktas, he has made 68 Süper Lig appearances, scoring 29 goals and producing seven assists.

Maybe O’Rourke is right; this could just be the centre-forward alternative to Antonio that Moyes is craving.

In other news: West Ham make first move for £13m-rated dribbling wizard amid Premier League rivals’ interest

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘ready’ to fight for the signature of Braga striker Vitor Oliveira, according to Calciomercato. 

The lowdown

The youngster appears to be making his first team breakthrough at Braga, having featured in four of their last five league matches and earned his Europa League debut.

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Last weekend, he emphatically made his case to be a regular going forward with a four-goal haul against Santa Clara in a 6-0 Taca de Portugal mauling.

The 21-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, is presently valued at just £450,000 by Transfermarkt.

The latest

According to Calciomercato, Oliveira’s form for Braga is said to have attracted the interest of ‘numerous foreign clubs’.

Spurs are among them, but so are their London rivals West Ham United, so the stage is set for the two capital clubs to do battle for his signature in 2022.

The verdict

Oliveira has also earned international recognition this month, making his Portugal under-21 debut in a European Championship qualifier against Cyprus.

The signs are that what looks like a modest price tag might about to be skyrocket after his flying start to the season, which has seen him hit seven goals in nine first team appearances for Braga.

However, one possible consideration for Spurs when buying young strikers is the impact on Dane Scarlett, whose path to the senior team could be blocked if Oliveira is signed. The Spurs starlet has plundered in 23 goals in as many matches for the under-18s, so you could question the need to look at emerging strikers elsewhere.

In other news, Conte has made this transfer request to Paratici.

Manchester United are working on appointing their new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer with Erik ten Hag the favourite for the role, and now Fabrizio Romano has given a fresh update on the progress of the deal.

What’s the word?

According to journalist and transfer insider, Romano, there are still areas that ten Hag and Manchester United are yet to agree on to complete his move to the club this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Erik ten Hag wants to make sure he has enough ‘power’ to decide on the project together with the board, and especially to avoid transfer mistakes.

“That’s why he’s still in discussions with Man Utd before signing.”

Good news

For supporters of the club, ten Hag’s desire to play a part in transfers and power that allows him to have much more involvement than those that managed the team before him is good news in terms of the project that needs to be completed given the manager’s track record with building teams.

The 52-year-old tactician has got his team at Ajax playing phenomenal attacking football that has proven to be highly efficient and successful in the Dutch league and European competitions.

This season alone Ajax are winning 2.45 points and scoring 3.04 per game with a win ratio of 78.57% putting the side at the top of the Eredivisie table four points clear of PSV and currently in with a good chance of securing their third title under ten Hag, according to FootyStats.

In terms of European competitions, the Ajax boss took the side to their first Champions League semi-final in 22 years back in 2019, but this season ironically crashed out of the prestigious competition on the same night as Manchester United, when they lost to Benfica at home in the round of 16.

Despite not being able to lift a Champions League trophy yet in his managerial career, Manchester United supporters and the board will be hoping the winning mentality he has built in the Netherlands can be emulated and will further progress in England if he joins Old Trafford this summer.

With RB Leipzig reportedly attempting to hijack the deal by signing up ten Hag in the Bundesliga, the Red Devils must do everything they can to complete the move for the Dutch coach as soon as they can.

In other news: Journalist drops big late-night Man United manager update, supporters will adore it

Manchester United could be set to lose versatile forward Jesse Lingard over the coming months after he was linked with a move to Newcastle United.

What’s the story?

The Magpies joined the financial elite of football after being taken over by a Saudi-backed consortium, and the new owners have already started identifying potential targets ahead of the January transfer window.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are interested in signing Lingard after an impressive 2021, with Toon chiefs already discussing a move for the 28-year-old.

The England international is believed to be keen to secure regular game time ahead of next year’s World Cup in Qatar and is weighing up a possible Old Trafford exit as a result, meaning a move to the North-East could well be on the cards.

Solskjaer will be concerned

News that Newcastle are considering making an offer for Lingard’s services will leave United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling concerned, given the player’s impressive form this calender year.

After seriously struggling to get back to his best following the 2018 World Cup, a short-term loan move to West Ham United back in January reinvigorated the creative talent.

In just 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Lingard scored nine goals and provided a further five assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part as David Moyes’ charges finished in an incredible sixth position.

His magnificent displays saw Solskjaer reward him with another opportunity to impress at his boyhood club this season, but Lingard has found regular game time hard to come by in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The attack-minded star has started just one game this term and has only played 136 minutes of first-team football throughout 2021/22 despite scoring two goals and laying on an assist, opening the door to an imminent exit.

With Lingard’s current contract at United set to expire next summer, Newcastle could secure themselves a bargain deal over the winter window, leaving Solskjaer without one of his most efficient forwards as he attempts to secure his first piece of silverware as manager of the Old Trafford outfit.

If the possibility of a new deal is on the cards, news that another team are trying to lure him away from Old Trafford will no doubt leave the Norwegian coach worried. They should be trying to keep players like him.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer potential injury blow ahead of Leicester, Ole will be absolutely gutted 

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl defended his team’s style of play following the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

His post-match comments were relayed by reliable reporter Dan Sheldon, which led to a number of Saints fans hitting out at Hasenhuttl on social media.

Southampton conceded two late goals at Stamford Bridge following James Ward-Prowse’s red card in the second half after the captain had earlier levelled the scores from the spot. The result means the Saints are still yet to win in the Premier League this season and sit 17th in the table going into the October international break.

Hasenhuttl was asked following the defeat about the way his team plays and defended his style, claiming that it is ‘nice to watch’ as he said: “Why should we change? It’s also nice to watch. I’m not a fan of parking the bus against the big teams.”

However, some fans aren’t happy with that response, with the club winning just two of their last 15 top-flight league fixtures.

Southampton fans react

Sheldon, who is Southampton’s reporter for The Athletic, posted Hasenhuttl’s comments via Twitter on Saturday evening, with @SaintsExtra also relaying his tweet.

Here is what these Saints supporters had to say in reply, with many not happy and one labelling the manager’s response as ‘strange’.

“Yeah I love watching us lose even though we look good sometimes. I’d rather big Sam in atm.. at least we’re probably win a few games. RALPH OUT!”

Credit: @cleetus_van

“Is this a joke? Just because it’s ‘nice to watch’ doesn’t mean the loyal fans don’t mind us losing every week. Change because it doesn’t work, we can’t score and never win? That’s good enough reasons for me. 6 points needed from Leeds and Burnley and nothing less.”

Credit: @JackKnutsen_

“So we win 5 out of 33 league games and he doesn’t want to change anything ?? Seriously ????”

Credit: @curlywiggins

“Strange thing to say – we’re not that exciting to watch, mush.”

Credit: @Josh_b222

“Better to park the bus than taking a ride down to the Championship. Poor tactics.”

Credit: @HaraldStensdal

“Who exactly, apart from Ralph himself, is enjoying watching us play?”

Credit: @Beaumxntt

In other news: ‘Can’t keep watching him’ – Some Saints fans destroy ‘passenger’ who ‘should retire’. 

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal to North London this summer, as reported by The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Right-back on the agenda in N17

Following a summer of upheaval at N17, much mystery still envelops the right-back department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the transfer window peters to a close.

Japhet Tanganga has started off the new campaign as the Lilywhites’ preferred option in the role, earning praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for his role in defeating Manchester City on the opening day [Inside Futbol].

Matt Doherty looks to be second in command, whilst wantaway Spurs ace Serge Aurier has been heavily linked to French champions Lille [TEAMtalk].

With Doherty yet to prove himself however and Tanganga also an option at centre-back, Tottenham look set to try and acquire another right-sided defender in the last few days of the window.

The Latest: Paratici looks to strike agreement for Emerson

Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is said to be eyeing a swoop for Barcelona full-back Emerson on a season-long loan deal [The Telegraph].

The Catalan giants are believed to be open to getting the 6 foot Brazilian’s wages off the books for the rest of the year due to their well-documented financial irregularities, with Tottenham reported to be exploring the idea of bringing him to England.

It is understood that out-of-favour Aurier may need to move on before any move can be sanctioned.

Sky Sports have since added their own update to the mix, claiming that talks are well underway and it could yet be a loan deal or a permanent move.

The Verdict: Quality depth

With injuries and downturns in form always a possibility over the course of a campaign, acquiring another quality option in the right-back area may prove to be a sound investment for Tottenham.

The timing of any prospective switch may come as a surprise, after Barcelona only exercised their right to bring the 22-year-old back from Real Betis in June after two years on loan in Seville [FC Barcelona].

Providing a forward threat down the flank though, the Brazil international managed to score two goals in 38 outings for Betis, also laying on a further four assists for his teammates [Transfermarkt].

He also possesses great instinctual awareness to danger, as he managed to record an average of 2.7 tackles per fixture across last term in La Liga [WhoScored], also racking up 20 yellow cards across his two seasons on loan – he loves to get stuck in.

Put simply, Emerson would be an upgrade on anything Spurs currently have in his position, due to his unique mixture of defensive and offensive quality. A temporary deal seems to suit all parties if it goes through.

In other news, a Tottenham stalwart has left the building after five years in London. Find out more here.

Leeds United have been handed a quadruple injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

In a recent article for Leeds Live, Beren Cross revealed that there could be light at the end of the tunnel regarding both Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling’s respective recoveries from injury, with the centre-forward having been sidelined since September with an ankle injury, while the right-back has missed the Whites’ last nine fixtures due to a knee injury.

The journalist then went on to state that the knocks of Raphinha and Rodrigo – who both missed the Leeds’ 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday – are only believed to be minor, suggesting that the duo will be back for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

In his article, Cross wrote: “There is hopefully light at the end of the tunnel for United. Ayling and Bamford are thought to be making good progress and not far away, while Raphinha and Rodrigo’s issues are thought to be minor.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Leeds have not enjoyed the best of seasons so far this term, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side having picked up just 11 points from their opening 12 fixtures of the campaign, considering just how important the quartet of Bamford, Ayling, Raphinha and Rodrigo are to the Whites, when these four all make a return to first-team football, it would not be surprising to see Leeds shoot up the league standings.

Indeed, last season, Raphinha ranked as the club’s third-best performer in the league according to SofaScore, while Ayling, Bamford and Rodrigo came in as the Whites’ sixth, seventh and tenth-best players in the top flight respectively.

As such, despite the fact that Leeds currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League standings, a mere two points above Burnley in the relegation zone, following Cross’ latest injury update, the Elland Road faithful shouldn’t have too much to worry regarding relegation just yet as they gear up for the exiting return of their star men.

In other news: Imagine him & Phillips: Orta can land dream LUFC duo with 27 y/o gem likened to Rooney

Aston Villa are not keen on letting midfielder Douglas Luiz go this summer, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Manchester City did have an option to buy back their former player but did not take it up, leaving Villa seemingly in the clear.

However, Luiz has since been linked with a move to AS Roma, while ex-Napoli coach Gianni Di Marzio recently claimed on Radio Marte (via Area Napoli) that the 23-year-old would be a good signing for his old side and could be worth up to €80m (£68m) in the future.

He is not a player Villa want to lose, though, Hatfield has told FFC. On the Brazilian, the Villa journalist said:

“I don’t think Villa are really keen to see him go. He’s obviously improved, like many of the players have, following his signing at the club.

“They always had that buy-back clause from Manchester City hanging over his head, but that’s passed now, so they don’t need to worry about that. I think they probably see Luiz as a key player.”

Luiz appeared 33 times in the Premier League for Villa last season, so he was indeed an important player for Dean Smith.

The Brazil international also had the best passing accuracy out of Villa’s regular starters (minimum of 10 starts, via WhoScored), so the club not wanting to lose him is understandable.